Paul Bryan, BSc FRICS [Retired] formerly of English Heritage and Historic England, spoke with RIEGL UK ahead of the Heritage Geospatial Symposium in York. As part of our conversation, we discussed how the UK could benefit from a national heritage mapping database.  Find out more below. Our built heritage is – like our natural environment – a hugely valuable asset that will disappear without care. Whether in terms of historical value, tourism revenue or as a learning tool, the UK’s historic buildings and structures need to be documented and preserved. However, the idea of systematically recording historic buildings for preservation only really gained traction after the fire at Windsor Castle in 1992. The following Bailey Report recommended that records be made of all royal palaces. This approach was considered by English Heritage and a programme of systematic recording initiated across some of their estate. Across the UK, we are surrounded by centuries-old architecture, from medieval cathedrals to grand country houses. These buildings are more than just brick and mortar – they are symbols connecting us to our history, culture, and identity. Despite their significance, many of these historical structures face threats. Natural disasters, accidental fires, and deliberate vandalism can have ever-lasting impacts on priceless architecture.   While many valid and impactful programmes do exist to document and protect these landmarks, preservation at a national scale still remains largely reactive and sometimes prompted after a crisis occurs. It’s time for change… Steps In the Right Direction Following the Windsor Castle fire, the concept of ‘anti-disaster recording’ emerged - a proactive approach to digitally preserve heritage sites so they could be restored if they were damaged or destroyed. However, as time passes without another disaster, priorities shift. Questions arise about whether the funding could be better spent elsewhere resulting in its gradual dilution into other areas of heritage until the focus on anti-disaster recording completely fades away. It’s only when another disaster happens - such as the Notre Dame fire in 2019 - that these issues are suddenly brought back into the spotlight and the debate on anti-disaster recording is reignited once again. Advancements in LiDAR scanning and photogrammetry have made it possible to digitally preserve historic sites with remarkable accuracy and speed. A National Digital Archive: The Modern-Day Time Capsule Without a comprehensive digital record, we risk losing invaluable heritage forever. Just as the Svalbard Global Seed Vault safeguards the world’s crop diversity against catastrophe, a National Digital Heritage Archive could serve as a backup for our built environment. Some organisations, such as CyArk , are already leading the way, dedicating their efforts solely to recording historical assets for disaster recovery. Using LiDAR scanning  technology, they’ve digitally preserved UNESCO-listed landmarks worldwide. And to great effect. In 2009, they meticulously documented the Royal Kasubi Tombs in Uganda using advanced 3D laser scanning technology. This digital archive became invaluable when just a year later, a fire tragically destroyed the tombs. The detailed scans provided restoration teams with precise blueprints, significantly aiding the reconstruction process.  So, what’s the biggest issue around securing a National Database of recorded heritage sites? Funding. Creating and maintaining a comprehensive database requires significant investment, and currently, financial support for this kind of preservation work is in short supply. The Role of Technology in Preservation Advancements in LiDAR scanning and photogrammetry have made it possible to digitally preserve historic sites with remarkable accuracy and speed. The key challenge is deciding how much detail these records should capture. That’s something the industry needs to collectively decide through input from typical end users of geospatial data, such as architects, archaeologists, and conservators, as the final dataset should serve multiple purposes and applications. It needs to be both visually and dimensionally accurate while also being structurally useful. Modern scanning technology already meets these demands. Take the RIEGL VZ-600i Terrestrial Laser Scanner - its default resolution is 6 millimetres over 10 metres, captured in just 26 seconds. That’s an incredibly high level of detail in a very short time. Real-Life Example: Ribblehead Viaduct   The Ribblehead Viaduct, an iconic Victorian structure in the North Yorkshire Dales, is both a feat of engineering and a historical landmark. Though not primarily a key commercial railway route, it remains a popular tourist attraction and still used for freight occasionally, so requires regular upkeep to ensure its longevity. Due to its listed status, traditional surveying methods were not an option for assessing the site’s condition. Instead, Network Rail commissioned a low-impact LiDAR survey to assess the viaduct’s condition while minimising disruption. Using the RIEGL VZ-400i Terrestrial Laser Scanner , a detailed 3D model was created, capturing every contour of the structure with millimetre accuracy. The most significant insights came from reflectance mode, which identified damp areas hidden from the naked eye - critical in pinpointing potential structural deterioration. This project highlights how digital preservation can contribute to proactive conservation. By leveraging advanced scanning technology, engineers can detect issues early, reduce restoration costs, and protect our built heritage for future generations. Read more about the Ribblehead Viaduct Project . The Future of Heritage Preservation With these tools are readily available, the barriers to large-scale heritage mapping are no longer technical, but logistical and financial. The real challenge isn’t whether we can do it – it’s whether the sector as a whole will invest in making it happen before more of our built heritage is lost forever. To drive this forward, industry professionals, government bodies, and researchers must embrace cutting edge LiDAR technologies , which now offer exceptional levels of accuracy, precision, resolution and efficiency for heritage mapping. By embracing these technologies, we can bridge the gap between conservation and innovation, ensuring that our past is safeguarded for future generations.

Leading figures from the heritage preservation and geospatial mapping sectors will be gathering in York this March as part of a major industry event. RIEGL UK, a leading supplier of LiDAR scanning equipment, is hosting the Heritage Geospatial Symposium  event on March 27, 2025, in the Hospitium, York. The free event will explore how geospatial surveys and immersive tech are transforming heritage preservation and conservation efforts. It will bring together leading voices in the UK’s heritage sector to discuss how best to map and preserve our historic sites. Leading speakers from across the sector Speakers at the Heritage Geospatial Symposium  include: Paul Bryan, BSc FRICS [Retired], formerly of English Heritage and Historic England : From Capture to Archive: Geospatial Survey in Heritage Applications Andy Beardsley, Terra Measurement : 3D Geospatial Surveys & Cultural Heritage: Best Practices to Implementation Keith Challis, National Remote Sensing Coordinator for the National Trust : Geospatial Survey & Remote Sensing at National Trust: Beyond Measurement Kieron Niven, York University’s Department of Archaeology & ADS: Preserving and Documenting Geospatial Data at the ADS James Earl, Founder of OR3D : From Scans to Simulations: Digitising Heritage with 3D and Immersive Tech Nikolaus Studnicka, Terrestrial Laser Scanner Business Manager for RIEGL Laser Measurement System GmbH : RIEGL Terrestrial Laser Scanning Dave Foster, Managing Director of RIEGL UK Ltd, will also be looking at RIEGL Laser Scanning Equipment with a technical overview of RIEGL’s VZ-600i Terrestrial Laser Scanner. Following the talks, there will be a chance to visit the Yorkshire Museum near the event venue and join the RIEGL team and other attendees at a social event. Exploring the role of geospatial in heritage Dave Foster, Managing Director of RIEGL UK Ltd said: “At this year’s RIEGL Symposium, attendees will have the chance to explore the significant role geospatial surveys play in preserving, managing, and engaging with cultural heritage. “The presentations will cover a range of topics, including the critical importance of choosing the right technologies, adhering to established guidelines, and leveraging advanced techniques to enhance conservation efforts. “All presentations will provide valuable insights into how technology is shaping the future of heritage preservation and visitor engagement. “Attendees will gain practical knowledge on how to make informed decisions when working with geospatial survey data and how cutting-edge technologies are transforming the way we experience history. “The team at RIEGL UK is really looking forward to welcoming you all to our heritage event.” View the event: https://www.riegl.co.uk/event-heritage-geospatial-symposium